Colin Venn’s dedication to his cricket can not be underestimated.
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Venn has been curator at the Terang Cricket Club for the past 10 years, serving as an assistant curator before that since he came to the club in 1981.
His commitment to preparing the turf pitch and the outfields for both the turf and hard wicket ovals is well known.
“It is a labour of love for sure, my wife refers to it affectionately as my mistress,” he said with a laugh.”
“The past week has been a particularly busy for Venn, beginning with South West Cricket Association (SWC) Twenty20 qualifying games last Saturday.
That was followed up with an under 17 country week game on Monday, with a SWC Twenty20 semi-final and then final completing the hectic schedule on Saturday.
“We used the same wicket, it had 120 overs last Saturday, 90 on Monday and then 80 today (Saturday), so we have put a bit of time into making sure it has kept in good condition,” Venn said.
“I watered it on the Tuesday and then rolled it each day from Wednesday.
“There was a bit of wear on the creases that needed rejuvenating.
“The main aim was to make sure it kept its bounce and carry and was not skidding along the ground.”
While Venn said working on the pitch and ovals provided him with great serenity, the job also has its challenges.
He said while corellas have been absent this season, cock chafers and rabbits have taken their place in causing damage to the ground.
He has also had to deal with coping with an irrigator that was damaged in the St Patrick’s Day fires.
“I feel a bit like a farmer some times,” he mused.